You quickly slump into a desk during fourth period and hurry to disappear into Michael's black hoodie, something that's been your constant companion these past few days. The bruise on your jaw was still severely purple.
You grimaced. It was only a week ago you would vibrantly walk into class and sashay to this desk.
You hear the usual whispers about "Derek putting Chandler Erickson into her place. No one messes around with Derek Richards..." and the constant "abusive alcoholic mother," comments. You roll your eyes.
There honestly was no place you hated more than this high school, it was a dump for a bunch of steroid-injected jocks, stuck up, self conceited cheerleaders, and disgusting plastic Barbie & Ken couples.
You hurry to lunch, absentmindedly bumping into at least five people you used to consider your "friends." Nara Patton, head cheerleader, gave you a weird look, like she didn't know who you were. One of Derek's friends, Jason, just shook his head in what looked like disappointment. What? That you weren't a pristine, cleaned up, pretty-to-look-at Victoria Secret Angel anymore? Shallow.
You sat down outside under a tree by yourself, hoping no one would notice you. Unfortunately, someone did. They sat down beside you, making themselves comfortable. The long, lanky, skinny-jean clad legs gave Luke away.
"Why is the famous Miss Erickson still eating by herself in her friend's depressing oversized hoodie? Shouldn't she be socializing again, by now?"
You shook your head, still homed in on your Vegemite and pickle sandwich.
"Chand, I got some news."
You sat still, waiting for him to go on.
"I'm leaving soon, in two days actually. I won't be here for three weeks."
Something inside you snapped. Your head shoots up, and you look straight into his eyes. "Why?" you ask, your voice cracking. "Family vacation. Bahamas." Luke explains quietly.
You shook your head.
"I'm really sorry, Chand. I really wish I could be here for you. I know it's really hard, all this stuff you're going through right now. But I promise you, if something...anything...happens...with D-Derek. You need to call me a-and-,"
You looked up at Luke again, to see his eyes...the one's usually so blue and happy, now filmed over with tears of his own. You shake your head.
"L-Luke, why are you crying?" you ask, your own voice wobbling.
"Chandler, I'm so scared for you." he whispers.
You frantically search his face, and start to panic.
"Why? Why should you be scared? Luke, I need to know."
He just shook his head.
You close your eyes and breath. This was about Derek. Luke knew something about Derek and he was scared for you. Something was up, and you needed to be told. Now.
"Luke. I need to know. What is it about Derek that is so freaking bad?"
Luke sits still for a few moments, and you simply stare at him. He looked so vulnerable. He didn't look as if he was breathing. He seemed completely still, and frail. He didn't look like Luke Hemmings at all.
"Derek is dangerous, he's not safe," he said quietly, not allowing his voice to shake at all. He looked up and his eyes had turned into ice.
You took in a sharp breath, knowing that Luke wouldn't lie to you about something like this.
"You can't leave me," you whisper.
The bell rang.
